The SS Meteor, the world’s only above-water whaleback ship, is expected to undergo repairs this summer to address a crack that has developed in one of its holding decks.
“They determined that due to the ship being land berthed since the 1970s and the freeze-thaw cycles of the ground, it put some structural stress on the expansion hull of the ship,” said Jordan Stish, manager of the Superior Public Museums.
- The crack was discovered at the end of February, prompting an immediate response from city staff, including facilities, maintenance and construction superintendent Jacob Bunt.
- Stish said that Bunt invited the U.S. Coast Guard to join him in inspecting the problem.
- AMI, a marine engineering firm, is currently working on a plan to repair and stabilize the ship.
| Ship Details | Construction Year | Current Condition |
| SS Meteor | 1896 | Land berthed with a crack in one of its holding decks |
The SS Meteor typically opens for tours between mid-May and Memorial Day weekend, but this year’s opening may be delayed due to the repairs.
“We’re shooting for mid-June now, so not a huge delay, but we will definitely not open in May for sure,” said Stish.
Key Factors
- Structural stress due to freeze-thaw cycles
- Crack formation in one of the holding decks
- Need for repair and stabilization
The SS Meteor’s unique whaleback design, which allows it to remain above water, presents several challenges when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
“The ship is stable right now,” said Bunt, “but we need to address the issue to prevent further damage and ensure the ship’s longevity.”
“AMI is still looking into the best possibilities for making the repair and preventing the damage from happening again,” Bunt added.
The city is working closely with AMI and the U.S.
